Hard-core fans rallying today to bring back Crazy Crab

Lou Seal may be adored by pint-sized Giants fans, but a small, yet loyal contingent of baseball curmudgeons will be holding a rally at noon today in front of SBC Park to bring back Crazy Crab.

The crusty mascot spent only one season with the club, in 1984 when the Giants lost 96 games. He was jeered by fans, pelted with concession snacks and harassed by players.

The Crab made a few cameo appearances during the Giants' final homestand against the Dodgers at Candlestick Park in 1999, receiving as many boos as the manager in blue, Tommy Lasorda. During the final pregame ceremonies, the Crab apparently lost all his marbles, stole the microphone and shouted, "I hope the Dodgers sweep the series."

So why does Giants fan Ross Hammond want to bring back the reviled anti- mascot? "Although this 'movement' started before the Giants tanked," Hammond said, "I think it's fair to say that interest in it has certainly been helped by their poor performance. But even if they were on schedule to win 100-plus games, we think the Crab merits reconsideration as the team's mascot given that we live in San Francisco, not Anaheim."

Rally supporters are invited to meet at the Park Bar & Grill, 747 Third Street, half a block from Willie Mays Plaza at noon to collect crab hats and signs for a "crustacean commotion" lap around the park. For more information or to sign the "Rehab the Crab" petition, visit www.rehabthecrab.com.